PRODUCT CARE GUIDLINES
1. Powder Coat Cleaning
Maintaining the integrity of your powder coated products is just like caring for your car – and is a smart way to protect your investment.
Over time with exposure to the elements, powder coating may show signs of weathering such as loss of gloss, chalking and slight colour change. A simple regular clean will minimise the effects of weathering and will remove dirt, grime, and other build-up detrimental to all powder coatings.
Cleaning should commence at the time the products are installed, ensuring that construction materials, dust, water, and debris are removed before they have the chance to dry. Failure to remove these materials at an early stage could result in using aggressive cleaning materials and potentially damaging the powder coating.
The best method of cleaning is to apply a protectant or lubricant with water displacement properties such as Lanolin MX3 Inox, if the doors and windows are in good condition. But in case of high soil presence, wash off the coating using a solution of warm water or non-abrasive, pH neutral detergent solution, on a damp micro fibre cloth and the surfaces should be thoroughly wiped down afterwards to remove all residue and any excess water. Following cleaning we suggest using Lanolin MX3 Inox to help maintain and protect the coating.
All surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth, sponge, or soft neutral bristle brush, free of debris to avoid the risk of damaging or marking the powder coat.
Frequency of cleaning depends on many factors including but not limited to:
•Geographical location of the product.
•Environment of the building e.g. marine, industrial, alkaline, or acidic etc.
•Levels of atmospheric pollutions including salts.
•Prevailing winds and the possibility of air borne debris causing erosive wear of the coating.
•Amount of dust and debris accumulating on the frame.
Environment
In environments with very high corrosive levels, such as industrial or costal areas, the normal frequency of cleaning should be a minimum of 2 monthly intervals. However, more often they are cleaned, the longer they will last.
If the environment is deemed non-hazardous then cleaning them at least every 6 months, will make sure the doors are well maintained.
Sheltered areas can be more at risk of coating degradation than exposed areas. This is because wind-blown salt and other pollutants may adhere to the surface and will not be cleaned away. These areas should be cleaned, if necessary, on a regular basis.
As a rule, we would recommend cleaning the powder coat at a maximum every 12 months, unless heavy soiling occurs, and more regular cleaning is required.
WARNING: Do not under any circumstances use strong solvents such as thinners or solutions containing chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, or ketones. Abrasive cleaners or cutting compounds should not be used.
Interpon Powder Coatings recommends nothing stronger than white spirits to assist with stubborn stains. When using white spirits, cleaning should be carried out in shade and during cooler temperatures using a soft cloth and gentle wiping only. It is recommended that prior to use, a small non-visible area of the powder coat article be tested to ensure no visual colour change or damage will occur, particularly with bright or deep colours.
Do:
• Use a dry microfiber cleaning cloth – free of grit and debris.
• Spray only an appropriate amount of detergent on to a cloth and wipe the
glass and make sure the cloth is not soaking wet.
• Only use detergents and cleaning solutions that are produced and
recommended specifically for glass cleaning. Mild detergents are preferable.
• To remove abrasive materials from glass, use a small amount of soapy
water & dab with a sponge.
• It is recommended that some jewellery and watches be removed while
cleaning. Gloves should be worn.
during the cleaning process.
2. Glass Cleaning Guidelines
AVOID:
• Using cleaners that contain hydrofluoric or phosphoric acid, as they are
corrosive to the glass surface.
• Using soapy water and squeegee on the internal glass – this will cause
damage to the foam glazing tape and steel beads. Instead use a spray bottle
and microfiber cloth.
• Spray the solution directly onto the micro fibre cloth only.
• Cleaning glass in direct sunlight or when it is hot.
• Abrasive cleaners, powder-based cleaners, scouring pads or other harsh
materials.
• Using tapes or adhesives that can stain or damage glass surfaces. Ensure
any tapes or adhesives that are used are known to be easily removable.
• Store or place other material in contact with the glass – this can damage the
glass or create a heat trap leading to thermal breakage.
• Removing abrasive materials such a mortar from glass with a scraper. Avoid
scrubbing with sponge or scratching will occur.
• Do not allow cleaning solutions to contact the edges of laminated glass and
insulating glass units.
Note:
Extra care is necessary where high performance and special products such as Low-E Class and other solar control high-performance and coated glass is installed. These surfaces can be susceptible to stains and scratches and therefore require extra vigilance during the construction processand specific cleaning.
3. Hardware Maintenance and Cleaning Guidelines
It is important to understand, when it comes to home maintenance, cleaning and proper care of door and window hardware plays a major role. The following instructions will help you appropriately maintain your door locks and handles.
1. Regularly Cleaning Handles & Locks
• Following a regular cleaning schedule is one of the best ways for homeowners to properly care for their door locks.
• Homeowners should make it a point to clean their locks at least once every few months to avoid the buildup of grime and dirt.
• This can be done by using spray lubricants in the keyway, or by using a gentle washcloth to clean the body of the lock and handles.
2. Gentle Use of Door & Window Hardware
• Avoid applying any unnecessary or excessive force to locks and handles may cause structural and functional damages.
Examples: Avoid banging on the lock with solid items, avoid slamming the door closed.
3. Use of Appropriate Cleaning Materials
Cleaning material may change based on the type of material each of the hardware is made of such as Stainless steel, Brass, Plated, Powder Coated.
Therefore, different levels of care should be applied for each of different materials.
Stainless Steel
• Washing with PH neutral, non-abrasive soap or mild detergent and warm water followed by a clean water rinse is usually quite adequate for domestic and architectural conditions.
• Please note to use the mildest cleaning possible for most of tasks.
• Rust and other corrosion can be removed by adding one-part nitric acid to nine parts warm water. Leave for 30 – 60 minutes then wash off with plenty of water. For slight scratches, use impregnated nylon pads (e.g. Scotch Brite) following the satin lines.
Brass, Plated & Powder Coated
• Please ensure that only a damp cloth is used with diluted, mild, PH neutral, non-abrasive detergent to remove any stains or fingerprints.
• To avoid any discolouration because of residue, build up, please wipe using a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
• A light clean with methylated spirits to be used only for the satin or polished chrome finishes.
• DO NOT USE methylated spirits on any product with a brass or antique finishes.
• Powder-coated finishes should be cleaned only with a damp cloth and mild, PH neutral detergent.
4. Protection During
Construction
We recommend protective coverings to prevent the risk of dust and damage to the windows and/or doors whilst renovations or construction works are being undertaken.
Door and window tracks and sills should be protected from planks, scaffolding, and barrows.
Acid used for cleaning brickwork MUST be prevented from contacting powder coated window and door surfaces. If any acid or similar corrosive material does meet the window or door surfaces those areas must be washed IMMEDIATELY with large quantities of clean water.
If removal of debris is delayed and scraping becomes necessary, the finish may be damaged. Remove cement, mortar and other droppings immediately using ample clean water and a soft cloth or sponge to avoid permanent staining of finished surfaces.
At NO time should a window or door be hit with a full force of a hose, nozzle/jet setting. If a hose is required, then the nozzle should be set at the lowest spray setting and only used for a minimum time followed up by wiping with a soft cloth or sponge to prevent water damage.
5. Key Things to Avoid
•Wetting the inside of the door and windows – Ensure that all care and precautions are taken to avoid the inside of your doors and windows getting wet. The inside surfaces of your doors and windows are internally facing which means they are designed to only withstand typical internal conditions. For example, this means they are to remain closed during wet environmental conditions such as reticulation and rain. During the cleaning process, the doors and windows MUST NOT be soaked or sprayed heavily with water or any other chemicals during the glass cleaning process of the inside of the glass.
If the doors or windows do get wet on the internal side, ensure they are dried thoroughly and a water penetrant such as Lanolin MX3 is applied to disperse the water that may have been caught inside the internal joining surfaces.
•Salt air – Must be very routinely cleaned from all aspects of the doors and windows. This includes the glass, powder coated surfaces and door furniture etc. if these items are installed close to any salty coastal conditions these types of areas are considered a high-risk area and must be treated differently to other areas. i.e. Checked and cleaned more regularly.
• Dust, building debris etc – caused by the building process, this is a very important part of the care and maintenance process as it may be a stage that you as the owner of the doors and windows are not present to care for them correctly. As we provide the builder etc with these care instructions and may raise concerns during the building / renovation process we strongly suggest you ensure that the doors and windows for your build / renovation are being cared for as per the above guidelines. Most of the damage that occurs whether is causes short term problems or long-term problems that will not arise immediately are caused immediately after the installation of the doors and window.
• Corrosive liquids / cleaning agents & Reticulation – Please ensure that the doors and windows are NEVER exposed to ANY corrosive substances or garden reticulation. With reticulation this will cause issues as there is typically not enough time between cycles for the doors and windows to naturally dry. This means they can remain wet almost year-round which will cause moisture to penetrate crevice’s and work its way underneath the preventative coatings. In addition to this bore water is one thing to be very aware of as this type of reticulation system utilises ground water which will most definitely have a higher or lower PH level and can also contain high levels of Total Alkalinity and / or high levels of Calcium, Silicates, Iron, Manganese, and Salts.
Corrosive liquids can include substances such as dish washing detergents, some car washes, glass cleaners, stain removers etc. if you are unsure, please be sure to read the reverse side of the product and check what has been used to produce the product itself
6. Care Guidelines Summary
Our frames are a feature to any home and will require regular cleaning and maintenance following the above instructions to keep them looking new for you to enjoy for years to come.
If you have been caring for your frames following the above instructions and damage or defects become apparent, please contact us as soon as possible for us to view and advise a solution. It is much easier to attend to defects or damage as soon as they appear, than to leave the issue for a long period of time which may result in further damage or deterioration.
If you would like a copy of our warranty document or require any further information regarding cleaning and maintaining your frames, please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly team members for further assistance.
